Sliding glass door sections retract into large wall pockets, allowing homeowners to close off or open up the enclosed porch. The design of the home is a mix of retro vintage and Southwestern ranch. The living room has flooring of reclaimed wood.

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Local interior designers, architects, contractors and decorators are invited to showcase a recent residential project in this space. Contact Home+Garden editor Chris Ross, chris.ross@uniontrib.com for details.

Our firm, David Kaiser Custom Construction, recently completed an eco-friendly and inviting home at the J&J Ranch, tucked among the aged oaks of Descanso. Just 45 minutes east of downtown San Diego, the owners envisioned a “green” retreat for their busy lives. They wanted their new home to be a blend of energy efficiency and rancho aesthetics, while serving as a sanctuary for relaxation and creative inspiration.

The house design and finish materials were chosen through collaboration between myself, architect John Dickinson and the owners. The year-plus planning effort included discovering how to incorporate sustainable and local building materials, maximize the use of natural light and synthesize retro vintage with Southwestern ranch motifs.

The coziness of the living room is enhanced by reclaimed wood flooring below and hand-milled cedar planking above, harvested from local trees that burned in the Cedar fire in 2003. Lift-and-slide glass door sections that retract into large wall pockets retain the grand views while adding flexibility to close off or open up the large enclosed porch area for entertainment. The kitchen’s ranch-style elements include retro appliances, a farmhouse sink, tin ceiling and brick backsplash. Other sustainable materials found in the interior are the earthen-based tile and marble accents, and honed-granite countertops.

The house incorporates energy-efficient technologies, environmentally healthy materials and natural elements of the surrounding property. Remote-controlled high awning windows allow for passive temperature control, while the insulation is free of formaldehyde. An array of photovoltaic solar panels generates electricity back to the grid. A backup generator with an automatic transfer switch keeps the well operating and the lights on during power outages. Granite stones gathered from the property were washed and set into the classic stone veneer that skirts the front of the house. Additionally, water reclamation systems were installed for native plant landscaping and water conservation.

It was such a pleasure to work with owners who took the time to articulately consider and plan their dream home. Part of their consideration in the planning process was their intention to endow the property to The San Diego Foundation as a future retreat for nonprofit organizations.